Analyst Market Briefings

Inside the Tech Buyer Agenda: What A/NZ Leaders are actually Prioritising for H2

31 July, 2026 Analyst Market Briefings Analyst Market Briefing unpacked what's actually happening on the ground with A/NZ tech buyers: intent is high, but readiness isn't.

Australian technology buyers have entered the second half of 2026 with ambition intact, but with a sharper lens on value, readiness, control and execution.

Across ADAPT’s 2026 research, the priority is no longer whether to invest in AI, modernisation or cyber resilience. It is where these investments can be justified, governed and scaled.

AI strategy now sits at the top of executive agendas, but the next phase of the conversation is shifting toward data readiness, governance, operating model maturity, AI economics and measurable value.

The same reset is visible across modernisation and security. CIOs are prioritising automation, foundational AI, application modernisation, infrastructure modernisation, data platforms and cyber uplift.

Data and AI leaders are placing AI governance, agents, responsible AI and data engineering high on the investment agenda. CISOs are elevating AI governance, data loss prevention, vulnerability management and securing AI models as board and executive expectations sharpen.

For vendors, this changes the conversation. Buyers are less receptive to broad transformation narratives and more focused on proof, readiness and practical execution. They want partners who understand the real constraints: legacy complexity, fragmented data, governance gaps, workforce readiness, security exposure, and the difficulty of turning AI pilots into scaled outcomes.

Watch the replay now.

Anthony Saba Managing Director, Transformation Services

Anthony leads the growth, strategy, and delivery of ADAPT’s Transformation Services and Go-to-Market Services Business Units. He is driven by a core... More

Anthony leads the growth, strategy, and delivery of ADAPT’s Transformation Services and Go-to-Market Services Business Units.

He is driven by a core belief that we are experiencing a modern industrial revolution, one that will fundamentally reshape how business is done and pose serious challenges to the future of many Australian organisations and industries.

In this environment, success will not necessarily favour incumbents, or those with the deepest pockets or broadest resources, but rather organisations who are most able to ADAPT quickly and effectively to the evolving needs of their customers, employees and ecosystems.

With this belief, ADAPT is evolving into a critical platform that Australia’s enterprise leaders, local solution providers, and trusted advisors can rely on to succeed over the next decade.

By removing barriers, democratising access to proven expertise, promoting local ANZ innovation, and enabling rapid, meaningful connections between leaders and experts, ADAPT is committed to helping Australia not just survive, but thrive in the complex and uncertain times ahead.

Gabby Fredkin Head of Analytics & Insights

Gabby’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights. He has extensive experience in using data to identify technology trends... More

Gabby’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights. He has extensive experience in using data to identify technology trends to support Australian organisations.

Using modern data science techniques, he provides ADAPT and its customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s research, advisory and events.

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT’s events. In roundtable discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions.

Gabby is effective in translating information into insights, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.

Gabby’s primary areas of expertise are:

Advanced AI and ML practices, including AI ethics.
Building models to benchmark and predict IT performance.
End-user behaviour and human-centred design.
Cross-functional team design and value, such as DevSecOps.